“Road is the index of a developed society” commented Sri Kantilal Dande IAS, Guest of Honour for the one-day workshop.
SRM University-AP, in association with the Andhra Pradesh Roads and Buildings (R&B) department and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), hosted a one-day workshop on exploring the Challenges and Best Practices for State Roads Maintenance and Rehabilitation (M&R). The ceremonious event welcomed the Honourable Minister of Roads & Buildings (R&B), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Sri B C Janardhan Reddy, as the Chief Guest along with Sri Kantilal Dande IAS, Principal Secretary, (R&B), Government of Andhra Pradesh and Prof. Manoranjan Parida, Director of CSIR-CRRI as the Guests of Honour. Distinguished dignitaries from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the R&B Department, industries, universities, and research institutes participated in the workshop to address the critical challenges associated with the maintenance and rehabilitation of state roads.
In his virtual address to the participants, Honourable Minister Sri B C Janardhan Reddy explained that the Government had received proposals of Rs. 290 crores to convert 1393 damaged roads, covering 7071 kilometres, into pothole-free roads across the state. He said that with the latest technology and technical support from SRM University-AP, a complete restoration of the road network would be possible.
The event facilitated a constructive platform that assembled policymakers, academicians, researchers and young minds from various sectors to discuss the pressing challenges faced in the maintenance and rehabilitation of roads and exploring cost-effective and sustainable methods to achieve the same. “To tackle the key factors leading to road damage and rehabilitation, we require technical support and cutting-edge research from reputed institutes like CSIR-CRRI and new-age universities like SRM University-AP”, stated Guest of Honour Sri Kantilal Dande IAS.
Prof. Manoranjan Parida, Director of CSIR-CRRI, delivered a keynote session elucidating the immense significance of technology on road development. “A methodical approach to Road Asset Management is pivotal to ensure successful road maintenance and rehabilitation in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Sustainable technologies such as recycling technology can be utilised for rehabilitation projects, which will be cost-effective and economical”, advised Prof. Parida.
The workshop also encompassed insightful sessions on leading issues featuring esteemed speakers including Mr Nayeemulla, Engineer-in-Chief, R&B Department, Government of AP; Dr G Bharath, Sr. Scientist, Flexible Pavement Division, CRRI, New Delhi; Dr P S Prasad, Chief Scientist, Geotechnical Engg. Division, CRRI; and many more. A panel discussion on the way forward for AP State Roads M&R moderated by Mr Sitaramanjaneyulu, Visiting Professor of SRM University-AP & Former Chief Scientist, CRRI, was a highlight of the workshop.
Vice Chancellor of SRM University-AP, Prof. Manoj K Arora, praised the assemblage of government, industry, academia, research and the builders’ association at the workshop for a consulted approach towards the development of state roads. Dr Uma Maheswar, the organising secretary from SRM University-AP, stated that “Maintenance and rehabilitation of roads are key for any kind of success and development. In the next 5 to 10 years, SRM University-AP, the Government of AP and the industry will foster an ecosystem to rehabilitate the damaged roads through sustainable methods.”
The one-day workshop was a grand success in identifying a roadmap for sustainable programs tailored for AP state roads and formatting potential solutions for the challenges. The event also witnessed the presence of Mr Venkateswara Rao, Former President of the Builders’ Association of India AP Chapter, Mr Nagamalleswara Rao, President of Builders’ Association of India AP Chapter, Dr R Premkumar, Registrar of SRM University-AP, Dr Raviteja KVNS, HOD, Department of Civil Engineering, SRM University-AP, participants from neighbouring universities, industry professionals and faculty and students of SRM University-AP.
